Articulating faucet

ABSTRACT

A faucet having a base that is mountable to a support, a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water, and a valve that controls a flow of water to an outlet, where the valve is opened in response to the spout being moved relative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed in response to the spout being moved relative to the base from the first position toward a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/680,280, filed on Jun. 4, 2018. The foregoingapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of faucets. Morespecifically, the present application relates to articulating faucetsthat control the operation of the faucets through articulation of thespout relative to the base.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment of the application relates to a faucet thatincludes a base configured to mount to a support, a spout operativelycoupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water, a waterline passing through the base and the spout to fluidly connect to theoutlet, and a valve configured to control a flow of water to the outletof the spout in response to a first movement of the spout relative tothe base.

At least one embodiment relates to a faucet that includes a basemountable to a support, a spout moveably coupled to the base and havingan outlet for dispensing water, a valve that controls a flow of water,and a fluid conduit fluidly connecting the valve and the outlet. Thevalve is opened in response to the spout being moved (e.g., rotated)relative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed inresponse to the spout being moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the basefrom the first position toward a second position.

At least one embodiment relates to a faucet having a base mountable to asupport; a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet fordispensing water; and a valve that controls a flow of water to theoutlet. The valve is opened in response to the spout being movedrelative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed inresponse to the spout being moved relative to the base from the firstposition toward a second position.

At least one embodiment relates to a faucet having a base mountable to asupport; a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet fordispensing water; and a valve that controls a flow of water to theoutlet. A first movement of the spout relative to the base opens/closesthe valve. A second movement of the spout, which is different than thefirst movement, relative to the base adjusts a flow rate of the waterthrough the valve.

At least one embodiment relates to a faucet having a base mountable to asupport; a spout rotatably coupled to the base and having an outlet fordispensing water; and a valve that controls a flow of water to theoutlet. The valve opens in response to at least one of a clockwiserotation and a counterclockwise rotation of the spout relative to thebase to a first position. The valve closes in response to at least oneof the clockwise rotation and the counterclockwise rotation of the spoutrelative to the base from the first position toward a second position. Alongitudinal axis of the spout aligns with a longitudinal axis of thebase in one of the first position or the second position

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of afaucet in a first position, according to this application.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the faucet shown in FIG. 1 in asecond position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the faucet shown in FIG. 2 in the secondposition.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the faucet shown in FIG. 3 in an intermediateposition between the first and second positions.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the faucet shown in FIG. 3 in the firstposition.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the faucet shown in FIG. 3 in a third position.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the faucet shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of afaucet, according to this application.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the faucet shown in FIG. 8 in another position.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a faucet, accordingto this application.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of afaucet, according to this application.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of the faucet shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is another detail view of the portion of the faucet shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is another front perspective view of the faucet shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 15 is another front perspective view of the faucet shown in FIG. 14with the shells/outer covers removed for clarity.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional front perspective view of thefaucet shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is another front perspective view of the faucet shown in FIG. 11with the outer covers removed for clarity.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a portion of the faucet shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the portion of the faucet shown inFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic showing operation of a faucet, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is another schematic showing operation of a faucet, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side view of another portion of the faucet shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of another portion of the faucetshown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 24 is another side perspective view of the portion of the faucetshown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is another side perspective view of another portion of thefaucet shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 26 is a side view of another portion of the faucet shown in FIG.14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are articulatingfaucets that control the operation of the faucet (e.g., flow of water,temperature of water, etc.) based on articulation (e.g., rotation,sliding, etc.) of a part of the faucet, such as a spout, relative toanother part of the faucet, such as a base. Traditional faucets rely onarticulation of handles or actuation of sensors to control theseoperations. The faucets disclosed herein can, for example, turn on/offthe flow of water through the faucet by a first articulation (e.g.,rotation) of the spout relative to a base, and can further control theflow rate of the water from the faucet by a second articulation (e.g.,sliding) of the spout relative to the base. The faucets of thisapplication advantageously allow for clean and aesthetically pleasingdesigns (e.g., designs without handles and other separate controllers),while providing intuitive control of the functionality of the faucet.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a faucet 100 shownmounted to a countertop 90 and configured to discharge (e.g., emit,etc.) water 93 toward a sink 95 for washing and the like. As shown, thefaucet 100 includes a base 102 and a spout 104. The base 102 fixedly orrotatably mounts to the countertop 90 and extends upwardly therefrom.The spout 104 couples to the base 102 and is movable relative theretobetween a use position, in which the spout 104 extends transversely(e.g., horizontally) relative to the base 102 as shown in FIG. 1, and anon-use position, in which the spout 104 extends coincidentally (e.g.,collinearly, in-line, etc.) with the base 102 as shown in FIG. 2. In theuse position, the faucet 100 discharges water 93, whereas in the non-useposition, no water discharges from the faucet 100. The faucet 100includes a valve 106 that controls water flow through the faucet 100,and operation of the valve 106 is controlled by the movement of thespout 104 relative to the base 102. For example, movement of the spout104 relative to the base 102 controls operation of the valve 106 (e.g.,a flow of water, flow rate of water, temperature of water, etc.). Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve is open in the use position of thespout 104 allowing water to flow from an outlet of the spout 104, andthe valve is closed in the non-use position of the spout 104 preventingwater from flowing from the faucet 100 (e.g., to the spout 104/outlet).Movement (e.g., rotation) of the spout 104 from the use position towardthe non-use position moves the valve from the open position to theclosed position. The valve 106 can be located within the faucet 100 (inthe base 102 or in the spout 104) or outside of the faucet 100 (see thevalve 106′) and fluidly connected to the base 102, such as through afluid conduit therein.

As shown in FIG. 3, the base 102 has a generally cylindrical shaped body120 extending along a longitudinal axis LA from a first (e.g., mounting)end 121, which is mountable to a supporting surface, to a second end122, which is operatively coupled to the spout 104. As shown, the firstend 121 is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA such thatthe end surface on the first end 121 is circular, while the second end122 is oblique to the longitudinal axis LA such that the endsurface/plane on the second end 122 is elliptical.

Also shown in FIG. 3, the spout 104 has a generally cylindrical shapedbody 140 extending along the longitudinal axis LA from a first (e.g.,outlet) end 141, which includes an outlet 143 for discharging water fromthe spout 104 (FIG. 5), to a second end 142, which is operativelycoupled to the second end 122 of the base 102. As shown, the first end141 is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA in the non-useposition such that the end surface on the first end 141 is circular,while the second end 142 is oblique to the longitudinal axis LA suchthat the end surface/plane on the second end 142 is elliptical. In thenon-use position, the end surface/plane of the second end 142 of thespout 104 is proximate to (e.g., abuts) and has the same configuration(e.g., size, shape, etc.) as the second end 122 of the base 102, and thespout 104 complements the base 102 such together they form a cylindricalshaped faucet. Notably, the base 102 and/or the spout 104 can haveshapes other than generally cylindrical, such as generally rectangular,square, elliptical, among other suitable shapes.

As shown in FIG. 4, the spout 104 is rotatable about the endsurface/plane of the second end 142 and the end surface/plane of thesecond end 122 of the base 102. FIG. 4 shows the spout 104 rotated lessthan ninety degrees (90°) relative to the base 102, which corresponds toa point between the non-use and use positions. FIG. 5 shows the spout104 rotated approximately ninety degrees (90°) relative to the base 102,which corresponds to the use position with water 93 discharging from theoutlet 143 of the spout 104. Notably, the spout 104 can rotate in one orboth directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and, according to atleast one embodiment is rotatable three hundred and sixty degrees(360°). As noted above, rotation of the spout 104 relative to the base102 into the use position opens the valve to start the flow of water tothe outlet 143 of the spout 104. In the use position, the spout 104extends along a transverse axis TA that is transverse (e.g., orthogonal)to the longitudinal axis LA, such that the spout 104 and base 102 form agenerally “L” shaped faucet 100 (e.g., generally at a right angle).

FIGS. 3-5 show that the spout 104 is moveable in a first movement (e.g.,rotation) relative to the base 102 to turn on and off the flow of waterfrom the spout 104. FIGS. 6 and 7 show that in the use position, thespout 104 is moveable in a second movement (e.g., sliding, translation,linearly, etc.) relative to the base 102 to control the flow rate and/orthe temperature of water from the spout 104. Notably, the slidingmovement does not have to be linear, as the spout 104 can slide along anon-linear path relative to the base 102. As shown, the second end 142of the spout 104 slides along the second end 122 of the base 102 in aforward and downward direction (i.e., substantially along the planeformed by the end surface of the second end 122 of the base 102) tochange the flow rate and/or temperature of the discharged water. Forexample, the spout 104 can slide between a full forward/downwardposition, which corresponds to a maximum flow rate, and a fullrearward/upward position, which corresponds to a minimum flow rate.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a faucet 200 shownmounted to a vertically extending wall 80 and configured to discharge(e.g., emit, etc.) water 93 into the sink 95 for washing and the like.The faucet 200 includes a base portion 202 and an end portion 204 (e.g.,spout, spout portion, etc.). The base portion 202 mounts (e.g., fixedly,rotatably, etc.) to the wall 80 and extends generally horizontallyoutward. The end portion 204 operatively couples and is movable relativeto the base portion 202 between a use position and a non-use position.In the illustrated use position, the end portion 204 extendstransversely (e.g., vertically) relative to the base portion 202 asshown in FIG. 8. In the use position, the valve is open and the faucet200 discharges water 93 from an outlet 203 that is shown in FIG. 8located proximate the interface between the end portion 204 and the baseportion 202. In the non-use position, the end portion 204 extendscoincidentally (e.g., collinearly, in-line, etc.) with the base portion202 (like FIG. 10). In the non-use position, the valve is closed suchthat no water is discharged from the outlet 203 of the faucet 200.According to at least one embodiment, the valve turns on in response torotation of the end portion 204 relative to the base portion 202 to theuse position (FIG. 8), and the valve turns off in response to rotationof the end portion 204 relative to the base portion 202 from the useposition toward the non-use portion. The valve can be located within oroutside of the faucet 200. For example, the valve can be located withinthe base portion 202 or the end portion 204.

As shown in the FIG. 9, the outlet 203 is in an end 222 of the baseportion 202 that is opposite the mounting end 221 and that interfaceswith an end 242 of the end portion 204. A first movement (e.g., rotationabout a longitudinal axis of the base portion 202) of the end portion204 relative to the base portion 202 turns the flow of water from theoutlet 203 on and off by opening and closing a valve of the faucet 200.A second movement (e.g., sliding, translation, linearly, etc.) of theend portion 204 relative to the base portion 202, such as along theoblique plane that the end portion 204 mounts to the base portion 202,controls the flow rate and/or the temperature of water from the outlet203. As shown, the end 242 of the end portion 204 slides along the end222 of the base portion 202 during the second movement of the endportion 204.

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a wall mountablefaucet 300 that includes a base portion 302 and an end portion 304 thattogether form a generally cylindrical faucet in a use position (shown).The base portion 302 extends horizontally and has a first end 321 formounting to the wall or other vertical object. The end portion 304 hasan outlet 303 proximate a first (e.g., free, outer, etc.) end 341 and asecond end 342 operatively coupled to a second end 322 of the baseportion 302. A first movement (e.g., rotation about a longitudinal axisof the base portion 302) of the end portion 304 relative to the baseportion 302 from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration(shown in FIG. 10) places the faucet in the use position by opening thevalve so that water flows from the outlet 303. Rotation of the endportion 304 back toward a transverse (e.g., vertical) configurationplaces the faucet in the non-use position by closing the valve toprevent water from flowing from the outlet 303. Notably, the end portion304 can rotate in a clockwise direction and/or a counterclockwisedirection relative to the base portion 302 between the use and non-usepositions. Also, the valve can be located within or outside of thefaucet 300. Further, a flow rate and/or temperature of the water exitingthe faucet 300 can be controlled by moving the end portion 304 relativeto the base portion 302 in a second movement, such as sliding the endportion 304 along the second end 342 relative to the second end 322 ofthe base portion 302.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a faucet 400 shownmounted to a sink deck 92 of a sink 94 and configured to discharge(e.g., emit, etc.) water 93 toward the sink 94 for washing and the like.The faucet 400 is configured similar to the faucet 100 having a base402, which is mounted to the sink deck 92 in an upwardly extendingmanner, and a spout 404, which is operatively coupled to the base 402.The spout 404 is movable in a first movement (e.g., rotation) relativeto the base 402 between a use position and a non-use position. In theuse position, the spout 404 extends transversely (e.g., horizontally)relative to the base 402 and the valve 406 is open so that water 93flows from an outlet of the spout 404 (shown in FIG. 11). In the non-useposition, the spout 404 extends coincidentally (e.g., collinearly,in-line, etc.) with the base 402 and the valve 406 is closed so thatwater does not flow from the outlet (FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 11, thevalve 406 is a solenoid valve that is mounted below the sink deck 92 andexternal to (e.g., outside of) the faucet 400. As shown in FIGS. 12 and13, a portion 421 of the base 402 (e.g., lower portion, bottom portion,segment, etc.) is rotatable relative to an upper part 422 of the base402 that supports the spout 404 to control the temperature of the waterexiting the valve 406. The portion 421 is shown in FIG. 12 assubstantially circular (e.g., disc, oval, elliptical, etc.) shaped,which complements the shape of the stationary upper part 422 in a firstposition, which can correspond to a maximum cold setting of the valve(e.g., while the hot water is shut off and the cold water is on). Theportion 421 is shown in FIG. 13 rotated relative to the upper part 422to a second position (e.g., ninety degrees), which corresponds to amaximum hot setting of the valve. Notably, rotating the portion 421incrementally between the first and second positions results inincremental changes in the water temperature (increasing thetemperature). Notably, the maximum hot and cold settings can be reversedto the first and second positions of the portion 421, respectively. Theportion 421 can be configured to automatically return to the firstposition after the water is turned off, or the portion 421 can beconfigured to require manual rotation back to the first position afterthe water is turned off. Also shown in FIG. 13, the base 402 includes amount 423 that rests on the sink deck 92 (or other supporting object),and the portion 421 is rotatable relative to the mount 423 as well asthe upper part 422 of the base 402.

FIG. 14 shows the faucet in the non-use position. FIG. 15 shows thefaucet 400 in the non-use position with a shell (e.g., outer cover,skin, casing, etc.) of the spout 404 and a shell of the upper part 422of the base 402 removed to show internal components of the faucet. FIG.16 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately through the center ofthe faucet 400 shown in FIG. 14. As shown, a shoulder 424 extendsupwardly from the mount 423 and through the portion 421. The shoulder424 can rotatably support the portion 421, such that the portion 421 canrotate relative to the shoulder 424. Supported on the shoulder 424 aretwo clamshell parts 425, 426 of the base 402 that rotatably support aframe 440 of the spout 404. Extending through a bore in the shoulder424, through the two clamshell parts 425, 426 and through the frame 440is a fluid conduit 407 (e.g., hose, tubing, etc.) fluidly connecting anoutlet 441 in the spout 404 to the valve 406. FIG. 17 shows the frame440 in the use position, in which the frame 440 and the spout 404 arerotated by an angle (e.g., approximately ninety degrees) from thenon-use position (shown in FIGS. 14-16) relative to the base 402.

As shown best in FIGS. 18, 19, and 23, the first clamshell part 425includes a leg 425 a, which is supported by the shoulder 424, and a body425 b disposed at the upper end of the leg 425 a (opposite the shoulder424). The body 425 b includes a contact 425 c disposed in an end of aswitch bore 425 d having an open end opposite the contact 425 c. Alsodisposed in the switch bore 425 d is a switch 451 that moves (e.g.,translates, slides, etc.) in the switch bore 425 d between an onposition and an off position. In the on position, the switch 451contacts the contact 425 c to turn on the valve 406 (e.g., to open thevalve), such as through a solenoid or other electronic element. In theoff position (shown in FIG. 19), the switch 451 does not contact thecontact 425 c (there is a gap between the switch 451 and the contact 425c) and the valve 406 is off (e.g., to close the valve). The switch 451can be spring loaded to bias the switch 451 in one position (e.g., theoff position). For example, a coil spring can be disposed in the switchbore 425 d between the contact 425 c and the switch 451 to bias theswitch 451 away from the contact 425 c and toward the off position. Thebody 425 b also includes a semi-annular collar 425 e that cooperateswith a mating collar of the second clamshell part 426 to form an annularcollar defining a pivot bore 425 f (e.g., cavity). The collars and thepivot bore 425 f receive a post 442 of the frame 440 to act as a pivotjoint and facilitate rotation of the frame 440 relative to the clamshellparts 425, 426. As shown best in FIGS. 19 and 24, the post 442 includesa flange 443 that extends radially outward from the outer diameter ofthe post 442, and the flange 443 engages a channel 425 g (e.g., anundercut recess) in the collar (e.g., the collar 425 e and the collar ofthe second clamshell part 426). The flange/channel 443, 425 g retain thespout 404 to the base while allowing relative rotation of the spout 404.Notably, the two clamshell parts 425, 426 can be symmetrically opposite,substantially symmetrically opposite (e.g., with most features beingsymmetrically opposite) or partially symmetrically opposite (e.g., withsome features being symmetrically opposite), so the second clamshellpart 426 is not discussed in greater detail.

Also shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a cam block 453 having a generallycuboidal shape is disposed in the pivot bore 425 f. As shown in FIG. 22,the cam block 453 includes an internal cam surface 453 a that cooperateswith an outer end 444 of the post 442 during rotation of the spout 404relative to the base 402. In this way, the cam block 453 helps retainthe spout 404 (through the post 442) in the on and off positions, aswell as influence the spout 404 toward either the on or off positionwhen the spout 404 is positioned somewhere between the on and offpositions.

FIG. 20 shows the pivot action between a post and a cam block for aprototype faucet. This faucets disclosed herein can incorporate/utilizethis pivot action. As shown, rotating the spout/post relative to thebase/cam block ninety degrees (90°) from the off position toward the onposition in either of the clockwise or counterclockwise directionsresults in the spout rotating the remaining distance to the on positionthrough the interface of the cam of the cam block and the outer end ofthe post. Similarly, rotating the spout/post relative to the base/camblock ninety degrees (90°) from the on position toward the off positionresults in the spout rotating the remaining distance to the off positionthrough the interface of the cam and the outer end of the post.

FIG. 21 shows the desired pivot action between a post and a cam of afaucet, according to at least one embodiment. As shown, rotating thespout/post relative to the base/cam block twenty degrees (20°) fromeither the off position or on position toward the other position ineither of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions results in thespout rotating the remaining distance to the other position through theinterface of the cam of the cam block and the outer end of the post.Thus, the cam block and the post cooperate to move the spout to the onor off position when the spout is positioned in intermittent positionsrelative to the base. Further, the cam block and the post cooperate toretain the spout in the on and off positions with a predetermined force,which is greater than the force to rotate the spout relative to the basein the intermittent positions. This advantageously gives the spout afeeling of being locked in the on and the off positions. The spout snapsinto the on and the off positions to indicate to the user that the spoutis in the position.

The cam block 453 can be spring loaded. As shown in FIGS. 19, 22, and24, the cam block includes an annular bore 453 b in the end opposite thecam surface 453 a, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 24, the bore 453 breceives one end of a coil spring 455 that is disposed in the pivot bore425 f. The other end of the spring 455 contacts a surface 425 h of thebody 425 b. When the cam block 453 is moved by the outer end 444 towardthe surface 425 h, such as during rotation of the spout 404 relative tothe base 402, the spring 455 compresses to increase its spring force.When the spout 404 reaches the on/off position, the spring force fromthe spring 455 moves the cam block 453 away from the surface 425 h toretain the post 442 and snap the spout 404 into the position.

As shown in FIG. 25, the fluid conduit 407, if provided in the faucet,routes through a conduit bore 425 i in the surface 425 h of theclamshell part 425, through a conduit bore 453 c in the cam block 453,through a bore in the post 442, and through a conduit bore 445 in theframe 440 to the outlet 441. A generally tubular portion 446 of theframe 440 defines the conduit bore 445, as shown. The post 442 isdisposed at one end of the tubular portion 446 and the outlet 441 isdisposed at the other end of the tubular portion 446. An outer shell ofthe spout 404 surrounds the frame 440. Notably, the fluid conduit 407can be integrally formed with other components (e.g., the spout, thebase, etc.) of the faucet, or the other components of the faucet candefine fluid passages through which water is routed. In this way, thefluid conduit is an optional component to the faucets disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the spout 404 is moved to the onposition, a projection 447 of the frame 440 moves into contact with andmoves the switch 451 into contact with the contact 425 c of the body 425of the frame 440 to in-turn turn the switch 451 on. Water flows from thevalve (e.g., solenoid valve) through the fluid conduit 407 or fluidpassages to the outlet 441 in the on position of the switch 451. Theprojection 447 contacts and moves the switch 451 into contact with thecontact 425 c over an angular range of travel of the spout 404 relativeto the base 402. According to one example, the angular range of travelis about plus/minus three degrees (+/−3°). Thus, upon rotation of thespout 404 relative to the base 402 from the off position by a rotationof one hundred seventy seven degrees in either of the clockwise orcounterclockwise directions results in turning the switch on and waterflowing to the outlet 441. A coil spring (e.g., similar to the spring455) can be disposed in the switch bore 425 d between the switch 451 andthe contact 425 c to bias the switch 451 away from the contact 425 c, asmentioned.

Each spout 104, 204, 304, 404 can be manually rotatable relative to thebase, such that a user of the faucet grabs the spout and rotates thespout (relative to the base) to control operation of the faucet (e.g., aflow of water). Alternatively, each spout 104, 204, 304, 404 canautomatically rotate relative to the base, such as in response to adetection made by a sensor. Thus, one or more of the faucets disclosedherein (e.g., faucet 100, 200, 300, 400) can include one or more sensorsthat control operation of the faucet. By way of example, the one or moresensors can include a proximity (e.g., infra-red or IR) sensor thatdetects presence of a user (or part of a user, such as a hand) within arange (e.g., detection zone) of the proximity sensor, a touch (e.g.,capacitive) sensor that detects contact by a user, which can be part of(e.g., embedded in) an actuator and/or controller, which can controloperation of the faucet, or another suitable type of sensor. The one ormore sensors can be located on or in part of the faucet, such as a spoutor a base thereof, or can be located external to the faucet. The one ormore sensors can automatically move the faucet between the variouspositions (e.g., on/off, first/second, etc.) and/or control otheroperations of the faucet. For example, a faucet can include a proximitysensor that moves the spout relative to the base from the off positionto the on position in response to detecting presence of a user in adetection zone of the faucet. Upon no longer detecting the user'spresence, the sensor (e.g., through a controller) can move the spoutfrom the on position to the off position.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the articulatingfaucets as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is notintended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinaryor superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” isintended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, andarrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also bemade in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the variousexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, any element (e.g., base, spout, cam block,switch, frame clamshell parts, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may beincorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A faucet comprising: a base mountable to asupport; a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet fordispensing water; and a valve that controls a flow of water to theoutlet; wherein the valve is opened in response to the spout being movedrelative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed inresponse to the spout being moved relative to the base from the firstposition toward a second position.
 2. The faucet of claim 1, wherein thevalve is opened in response to the spout being rotated relative to thebase to the first position, and the valve is closed in response to thespout being rotated relative to the base from the first position towardthe second position.
 3. The faucet of claim 2, wherein each of the spoutand the base is tubular, a longitudinal axis of the tubular spout isaligned with a longitudinal axis of the tubular base in one of the firstposition or the second position, and the longitudinal axis of thetubular spout is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular basein the other of the first position or the second position.
 4. The faucetof claim 2, wherein the spout is manually rotatable relative to the baseby a user of the faucet.
 5. The faucet of claim 2, wherein the spoutautomatically rotates relative to the base in response to a detection ofa sensor.
 6. The faucet of claim 5, wherein the sensor is one of aproximity sensor, in which the detection is presence of a user within arange of the proximity sensor, or a touch sensor, in which the detectionis contact with an actuator.
 7. The faucet of claim 2, furthercomprising a switch moveably disposed in a switch bore of the base,wherein a projection of the spout moves the switch into contact with anelectrical contact to open the valve in the first position of the spoutrelative to the base.
 8. The faucet of claim 7, further comprising aspring disposed in the switch bore between the switch and the electricalcontact, wherein the spring biases the switch away from the electricalcontact, so that the valve is closed in response to the switch movingout of contact with the electrical contact when the projection releasesthe switch after a predetermined rotation of the spout relative to thebase from the first position toward the second position.
 9. The faucetof claim 2, further comprising a cam block disposed in a pivot bore of acollar of the base, wherein the spout includes a post rotatably coupledto the collar and engaging the cam block, such that cam block moves thespout toward one of the first and second positions in an intermediateposition of the spout between the first and second positions.
 10. Thefaucet of claim 9, wherein the cam block includes an internal camsurface that cooperates with an outer surface of the post to move thespout in the intermediate position.
 11. The faucet of claim 1, whereinthe movement to open/close the valve is a first movement, the spout ismovable relative to the base in a second movement that is different thanthe first movement, and the second movement controls a temperature ofwater to the outlet.
 12. The faucet of claim 11, wherein one of thefirst movement and the second movement is rotation and the other of thefirst movement and the second movement is sliding.
 13. The faucet ofclaim 12, wherein the first movement is rotation and the second movementis sliding.
 14. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the movement toopen/close the valve is a first movement, the spout is movable relativeto the base in a second movement that is different than the firstmovement, and the first movement turns the flow on and off and thesecond movement controls a flow rate of water to the outlet.
 15. Thefaucet of claim 14, wherein the first movement is rotation, such thatthe water flows to the outlet of the spout in a first rotationalposition of the spout relative to the base and water does not flow tothe outlet in a second rotational position of the spout relative to thebase, and wherein the second movement is sliding of the spoutsubstantially along a longitudinal axis of the spout relative to thebase.
 16. A faucet comprising: a base mountable to a support; a spoutmoveably coupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water;and a valve that controls a flow of water to the outlet; wherein a firstmovement of the spout relative to the base opens/closes the valve; andwherein a second movement of the spout, which is different than thefirst movement, relative to the base adjusts a flow rate of the waterthrough the valve.
 17. The faucet of claim 16, wherein the firstmovement is rotation, the valve opens in response to rotation of thespout to a first rotational position, and the valve closes in responseto rotation of the spout from the first rotational position to a secondrotational position.
 18. The faucet of claim 17, wherein the secondmovement is sliding, the flow rate increases in response to sliding thespout toward a first sliding position, and the flow rate decreases inresponse to sliding the spout toward a second sliding position.
 19. Afaucet comprising: a base mountable to a support; a spout rotatablycoupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water; and avalve that controls a flow of water to the outlet; wherein the valveopens in response to at least one of a clockwise rotation and acounterclockwise rotation of the spout relative to the base to a firstposition; wherein the valve closes in response to at least one of theclockwise rotation and the counterclockwise rotation of the spoutrelative to the base from the first position toward a second position;and wherein a longitudinal axis of the spout aligns with a longitudinalaxis of the base in one of the first position or the second position.20. The faucet of claim 19, wherein valve opens in response to both theclockwise rotation and the counterclockwise rotation to the firstposition, and the longitudinal axis of the spout is transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the base in the other of the first position or thesecond position.